Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Director of Children’s Services providing an update on the PREVENT Strategy.

The Children and Families Advisory Panel received a report from the Director of Children’s Services providing an update on the PREVENT strategy. This included an overview of how the County Council safeguard children when identified as posing a potential risk in relation to extremism or radicalisation.

Members noted that despite several high-profile incidents in the UK in recent years, referral rates in Hampshire have remained stable. Officers explained that there are extremist groups operating in Hampshire including animal rights and extremists left/right wing groups.

Members noted that of the individuals referred, the majority were male and under the age of 20. It was also highlighted that more children and young people were referred than adults and these were mainly received from schools. Officers detailed how all PREVENT referrals are referred to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub via the Children’s Reception team (CRT). A strategy discussion is held to enable information to be shared across partner agencies to inform the decision-making process.

In response to questions members found that;

·         PREVENT was a statutory responsibility for the County Council.

·         Agencies have processes in place to cover the transition to adulthood to guard against individuals being missed once outside of Children’s Services remit.

·         Counter-Terrorism updates are received but they are unable to forecast, although active areas can be identified.

·         Referrals in relation to children lead to direct engagement for adults when necessary and appropriate.

·         There are process to enable joined up working with other counties.

Resolved: That the Children and Families Advisory Panel note the update provided in this report regarding the progress made in embedding the PREVENT strategy across Hampshire County Council’s Children’s Services Department.